"Slow-steaming isn't innovation," says a strident M&S

Comment on this article

• Terry Walpole

  June 18, 2012 at 3:59 pm

  Gavin,

  Could you pass one or two of my observations on to Mr Keegan of M & S. Firstly, of course, he is spot on with his observation that carriers and large ‘forwarders’ – term used with some trepidation by a real one – are not the great innovators they think they are. This is clear. How long does it take to stop panamax vessel?

  I wonder though whether Mr Keegan is looking in the right place for his solutions. Innovation comes from necessity, from ‘pressure groups’, from a desire to find a solution and what Mr Keegan is asking from the carriers – again a term to cover a multitude of ills – is unlikely to come from them except in a knee jerk response to keep their clients.

  Look at smaller forwarders , Mr Keegan. Just because you are big, doesn’t mean you have to buy from the biggest. I doubt your suppliers of socks, watches and sausages are all the biggest in their field. But then how many Logistics Directors get fired for going with Maersk and DHL. Soft option, but not necessarily the best.

  Have a look at Bellville Rodair’s website and tell me that our couture products could not improve some of the hanging garment issues. Have a word with a couple of our Global accounts and ask them about our global billing policy.

  Best Rgds
  Terry

  Log in to Reply